The Altoona Railroad Museum, or Railroaders Museum as it is sometimes known, is one of the more popular destinations in Pennsylvania for history-loving tourists. It doesn’t hurt, too, that this little museum is rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the entire state. Hundreds of people who have visited the museum over the years, have had a strange or unusual experience, even when they weren’t expecting it.
The Altoona Railroad Museum sits in the former infirmary for the Pennsylvania Railroad. This building was also once the railroad’s headquarters. All told, this building has been standing in Altoona for more 100 years now, and the stories surrounding it are nearly as old. In fact, some believe that the deaths that occurred during its years as an infirmary are the reason why it is haunted today.
While many people have experienced the ghosts in this museum, the majority have been those who worked there. Employees in the gift shop have arrived early the next morning to find all the items removed from the shelves, and left on the floor. Despite the doors being locked, and everything left in its proper place the night before, the items somehow managed to find their way onto the ground.
Employees have even given one familiar ghost the nickname of Frank. Frank was first seen standing next to the train engine. He then climbed to the top of the train, and vanished. Since then dozens of people have seen this ghost doing the same thing over and over again. Frank is not only the most popular ghost at the museum, but also the most seen one. Others have seen a man walking beside the engine, only to see him disappear before his eyes when they try to get a better glimpse. Frank has also been seen a few times in a service area. It seems that Frank really does love the Railroad Museum.
Located near the museum is the 12th Street Bridge, where some individuals have seen some strange things happen. This bridge has a railroad track running directly under it, which relates to the stories. Some have claimed to hear someone walking behind them, only to turn and find no one there. Seconds later they have seen someone jump off the bridge, and onto a train below. Those that have seen him, claimed that the figure looked exactly like Frank.
Ghost hunters trying to record EVPs have captured the sounds of big band music playing late at night, when no one is there. According to museum workers, the men who worked on the railroads during its heyday often listened to big band music. Others have heard the music lightly playing in the background during the day, while on a tour of the museum. Still others have seen men in old fashioned clothing who seemed to disappear after a split second.
The Altoona Railroad Museum is open to the public, if you feel like doing a little ghost hunting of your own.
Sources:
http://www.railroadcity.com/
http://www.pennsylvania-mountains-of-attractions.com/ghost.html
http://community.centredaily.com/?q=node/3918
